Chief executive’s report reflects mainstream HK voices

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Leung Chun-ying, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, issued a report on universal suffrage in the region for the 2017 chief executive elections to the National People's Congress (NPC) on Tuesday. According to Leung, mainstream opinion in Hong Kong holds that only a nomination committee has the authority to put forward candidates for the post, and this power cannot be "undermined or bypassed."

Hong Kong opposition groups have not launched such strong protests against the report as were anticipated. They will wait for the final decision of the Standing Committee of the NPC to see if it is still necessary to continue with their Occupy Central movement.

Diversity makes Hong Kong society embrace the existence of many different voices. But the central government must be able to distinguish mainstream opinion from more marginal opinions. There is no doubt that Leung's report is far more representative than other opinions, and reflects the real situation in Hong Kong society.

The past few days have witnessed Hong Kong's public opinion being bewildered by the so-called referendum and the July 1 protests. It must be noted that the loudest voice within a community might not represent mainstream opinion, which in Hong Kong has been hijacked by the opposition.

Voices from opposition groups usually reflect the interests of their own group, not all of society. But the central government has to make sure social benefits can be allocated to all different groups in a legitimate manner. "The squeaky wheel gets the grease" cannot become a political hidden rule in a society.

Some forces in the UK and the US have also been imposing influence on Hong Kong by trickery. But they won't prevail. Hong Kong's political reform won't follow the path they want.

All political groups in Hong Kong have expressed their opinions about the political reform fully and freely. The policy of "one country, two systems" has been further highlighted and confirmed through debates.

Hong Kong's development and prosperity is in line with the common interest of both Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland. But how to realize this common interest depends on a rational and comprehensive understanding by both Hong Kong citizens and mainlanders. Both sides should take responsibility for Hong Kong's future.

The central government has made up its mind to safeguard the "one country, two systems" policy as well as the stability of Hong Kong society. Such a determination will guarantee Hong Kong's progress.